Hello there readers! We are taking a break for the next month over the holidays. Work and life are a lot, and we both need some time to regroup and focus. Hope you guys all have a wonderful holiday season! Take care, Amy and Kate
A few life hacks to wrap up 2023
As we wrap up the year and enter into the crazy holiday season, I want to share a few life hacks that have made things a bit easier. They will help you in 2023, 2024 and beyond!
Don’t be rude! How to be a polite traveler
I am not sure what is happening with the general traveling public these days. But it seems like a lot of people need reminders of how to be a polite traveler. And after a recent work trip, where I experienced a lot of rudeness, I am ready to share some thoughts.
A few tips for getting (back) into hot yoga
It has been years since I had taken a hot yoga class. Maybe 15-20 years?? So when Kate invited me to join her in a hot yoga class in Santa Ynez, I was a bit anxious and excited. I knew it would be tough- but I am ready for a challenge. So I jumped right in and I’ve got a few tips for those of you who might be interested.
Sampling gourmet vegan food at Oliver’s in Montecito
Reposting from June 2020: I’m heading to the Central Coast to see Kate and a few friends, and I thought this would be a great opportunity to repost one of Kate’s first updates. The vegan food really was delicious at Oliver’s!
Last night we ventured out for vegan food, our first dinner in a restaurant since COVID-19 arrived. My friend Lauren and her husband have rented a vacation house in Santa Barbara for the month of June to escape to the sun from Seattle. Lauren’s husband (who is also named Steve, like my husband) is a die hard vegan so we wanted to be good hosts and take him to the latest vegan food hotspot.
My husband and I very rarely eat even vegetarian meals, so we were a little skeptical going into it. I had heard rumors that the food was good (despite being vegan) from a few non-vegan friends. And when I looked at the Oliver’s site, I knew it was going to be a beautiful space. And it was time for us to broaden our vegan food horizons.
Continue reading “Sampling gourmet vegan food at Oliver’s in Montecito”A few more things to make business travel more enjoyable
I’m traveling more frequently for work. I’m not thrilled about it, but I have discovered a few things to make business travel more enjoyable. And none of them will take up much precious space in your suitcase! And they might make some really easy stocking stuffers too…
Lots of lip balm
I’m not sure why I was being stingy with packing lip balm. While being perfectly happy to stuff four pairs of shoes in my bag! Lip balm is so lightweight and inexpensive, and yet so important for my comfort when traveling. So I got over my issues and now I bring at least 4 lip balms on every trip. Handbag, work tote and 2 in my toiletry bag. It truly makes business travel more enjoyable.
A couple that I like:
Nail clippers
Yes, it’s probably obvious why one might need nail clippers on a trip. Nail trimming! But I am here to tell you that nail clippers can be used for more than that. Of course you’re probably not traveling with scissors on a trip. (fun fact: you can bring ones with blades that are shorter than 4 inches on a plane) But there are lots of times when scissors would be handy to have. Instead of running down to the front desk, use your nail clippers! Some ideas:
- Cutting out an annoying itchy tag at a neckline
- Taking off a price tag (without ripping it- or heaven forbid- using your teeth!)
- Trimming odd threads and such from your clothes
I have finally learned NOT to buy the cheapest nail clippers I can find. It’s just a much nicer experience to use high quality ones- and they truly aren’t that much more expensive.
And buy the big ones– have you ever tried to trim your toe nails with a tiny clipper??
Cashmere/wool comb
This tip for making business travel more enjoyable is particularly relevant for Fall-Winter, when we are wearing lots of sweaters on the road. These combs are light and cheap- and they will make your outfit look a lot more polished. Just tuck it in your toiletry bag and you’ll be ready. Buy two– one for home, one for your suitcase.
Bright, cheerful lipstick
I know, this one sounds a bit less practical. But hear me out. Work travel can get you down. You aren’t sleeping that well. Working late nights. Sitting in a conference room for hours on end. Why not wear an especially cheerful red lipstick? It will brighten up your complexion, you’ll smile every time you wash your hands during those offsite breaks. And you may cheer someone up across the table from you. I just tried this one, and it’s lovely.
Of course, red lipsticks vary a lot- probably best to head to Nordstrom for some advice on the right color for you.
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Why did I wait so long to get a robot vacuum?
I know, I know. Everyone probably already has a robot vacuum. But if you are one of the few holdouts, let me tell you that you need this. Seriously.
Fun things to do on Fall trip to Jackson Hole
We recently planned a last minute Fall trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming with some friends. One quick lesson we were taught – Jackson is the town, Jackson Hole is the area! And it helps to travel with the same fun pals– we all know each others’ travel preferences.
What is happening with the crazy prices of fashion these days??
Phoebe Philo dropped her first collection this week. And my first reaction was not “wow, how beautiful” but “OMG, look at the crazy prices of fashion!” And she’s not alone- several recent releases seem to be pushing the envelope for what people will pay.
Checking out the MIT Museum in Boston
I mentioned that we stopped by the MIT Museum in Boston during a recent trip to visit Sophie. It’s been on my list of things to do for the past couple of visits, and I’m glad we finally made time for it. It’s an interesting place- not too large- but someplace you can easily spend an hour or six, depending on what you like.
